SBE Technology
Technic's Fluid Bed Electrode (SBE) is a new patented method of galvanizing small components such as :
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Electronic connectors
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Spindles
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Chip capacitors
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Chip resistors
The SBE plating system replaces a 4 x 6 inch barrel with a patented SBE chamber. The charge size is from 50 to 500 ml and uses much less conductive medium.
The benefits of Technic SBE
The SBE system enables a wide variety of parts with dimensions as small as 6.35 mm to be metallised in either direction, with a considerably reduced amount of conductive medium, thereby reducing costs and increasing production.
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No moving parts
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Better distribution of thickness from piece to piece
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Lower operating and materials costs
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Coupling reduction
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Increased production speeds
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Reduced maintenance
How it works
The unique design of the SBE plating chamber allows rapid circulation of parts on the cathode current supply without any mechanical movement. The flow rate of the plating solution carrying the parts through the chamber is exceptionally high (up to 60 litres per minute), ensuring that parts are always plated in a 'fresh solution', whatever their configuration and size. These two features significantly improve thickness distribution between parts and greatly reduce coupling between parts.
SBE's narrower thickness distribution curve allows the SMT manufacturer to target the average plating thickness of a given load much closer to the customer's minimum thickness requirements than is possible with standard barrel plating equipment. The unique approach of SBE processing means that production speeds can be significantly increased while meeting the most stringent quality control standards. Another advantage of the SBE plating chamber is the elimination of tin and/or nickel deposits in the screened area of the chamber. Unlike a barrel, where plating takes place while the parts are on the barrel screens, SBE screens are located in a plating-free zone. This significantly reduces maintenance of the plating chamber.
SBE models
SBE 1-6
Our 1-6 model consists of two plating tanks (one nickel, one tin) with a two-station rinse after each process. The unit is constructed from polypropylene, mounted on a stainless steel base with levelling feet. The SBE comes complete with pumps, filters, rectifiers, piping and exhaust and is fitted with two SBE chambers.
SBE 2-6
Our 2-6 module doubles production capacity by providing a second row of stations in each tank. The 2-6 model is equipped with four SBE chambers.
Automatic Systems SBE
SBE systems are available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions. The two-winch system shown here comprises six nickel stations, drive, cascade rinse, six tin stations, drive and cascade rinse. In automatic and semi-automatic SBE systems, the lift moves a flight bar containing two SBE chambers.
